The Brand Studio of Matt Ganser
What I do
I help brands take their next steps with confidence.
As an independent brand designer, I offer the personal attention and direct collaboration you need, paired with the expertise of someone who has created brands for leading companies across diverse industries. This unique blend allows me to build solutions that are clear, purposeful, and tailored to your goals—while keeping the process swift and straightforward.
Great brand design grows from truth. I focus on creating distinctive brand expressions that feel natural and timeless because they’re built on a genuine understanding of your brand’s character. When design aligns with authenticity, the result feels fresh yet inevitable—like it was always meant to be.
My background
I’ve worked in small studios and large agencies, leading brand design for companies across tech, finance, and a diverse collection of industries, including Mack Trucks, Google, GE, Intuitive, KKR, Morningstar, and NVIDIA. While each project is unique, they all share a common thread: using design to solve complex business challenges.
Most recently, I worked in the Chicago office of VSA Partners. Now based in Glen Ellyn, a Chicago suburb, I run my own studio—combining big-agency experience with the speed and flexibility of working independently.
I also have experience developing brands for multiple private equity firms.
How I work
Collaboration is at the heart of what I do. Every project begins with a clear conversation about what’s needed. Together, we define the scope, timeline, and goals, ensuring there are no surprises.
From there, I prioritize momentum. Instead of getting bogged down in unnecessary steps, I get designs to a place that feels real as quickly as possible. This way, we can make meaningful decisions early and adjust as needed. The process is fluid, efficient, and always focused on creating something that fits your brand and delivers where it matters most.
When a project calls for it, I also collaborate with a trusted network of independent creatives across digital, strategy, and writing. This ensures your brand has access to the right expertise without unnecessary overhead, keeping the process streamlined and adaptable.
Why clients hire me
The brands I work with often face the same challenge—they know where they’re going but need help creating the identity, voice, and tools to get there.
For founders, that might mean turning a strong business vision into a cohesive brand. For private equity teams, it’s about delivering strategic design without the overhead of a large agency. And for startups, it’s preparing for growth with a brand that’s ready to scale.
What they all share is a need for clarity, efficiency, and design that feels like it was always meant to be.
What I charge
I work on a flat-fee basis because I believe in transparency and simplicity. Every project starts with a clear scope and timeline, so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting and how much it will cost before we begin. Project fees typically range from $15k–$40k, depending on the complexity of the work and the scope of deliverables, and most projects take between four to eight weeks to complete.
My fees are intentionally designed to remain competitive—less than hiring a small agency but aligned with most freelance brand designers. For smaller projects or ideas with significant potential, I’m always open to finding flexible ways to start working together. Your success is my success.
Start your project
If you’d like more context about my background, process, or experience within your category, please send me an email to matt@mattganser.com. Let’s have a conversation about what’s next for your brand and how I can help.
For that discussion, it’s helpful to understand a few key things: What’s your most pressing challenge? How urgent is the timeline to solve it? What obstacles are holding your brand back?
Starting a project with me is intentionally simple, because simple is always better. Here’s how it works:
→ We begin with a conversation to fully understand your challenge.
→ From there, I’ll provide a project outline to shape the work.
→ Finally, we’ll review a detailed statement of work (SOW) for approval.